Swimming pools are a great addition to any home, and they require regular cleaning to stay safe for swimming. But you may be wondering: what do you mean by “regular cleaning”, exactly? How often should you clean your pool?

In this post, we’ll explore how often you need to break out and use your pool cleaning equipment to ensure it stays in top condition.

Why Cleaning Your Pool Is Important

You may not think about it, but a pool can be a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other harmful contaminants. Fortunately, though, regular cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of these substances and keeps your pool safe and hygienic. 

And as a bonus, cleaning also helps to maintain the clarity of the water, which enhances the visual appeal of your pool.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency

Several factors can influence how often you need to clean your pool. These include:

• Usage: The more you use your pool, the more often you will need to clean it. Heavy usage can lead to an accumulation of dirt, oils, and other contaminants.
• Location: The location of your pool can also impact cleaning frequency. If your pool is situated in an area with high wind or dust levels, you may need to clean it more frequently to remove debris.
• Weather: Extreme weather conditions can also impact how often you need to clean your pool. For example, heavy rain can wash debris and contaminants into your pool, while hot, sunny weather can cause an increase in algae growth.

So, How Often Should You Clean Your Pool?

Now that you understand the factors that can impact cleaning frequency, let’s take a closer look at how often you should perform some of the most important pool cleaning tasks.

Skimming and Vacuuming

Skimming the surface of your pool with a net to remove debris should be done daily. Vacuuming, on the other hand, should be done about once a week. However, this may need to happen more frequently if there is heavy usage.

Brushing

Brushing the walls and floor of your pool should be done at least once – if not twice – a week to remove any algae or dirt buildup. A standard 18-inch nylon bristle pool brush should do the trick!

Chlorine and pH Levels

Testing the chlorine and pH levels of your pool should be done 2-3 times a week during swimming season. This helps to ensure that your pool is safe for swimming and that the water is clear.

Shock Treatment

Shock treatment should be done once a week to help eliminate bacteria and contaminants that regular cleaning may not remove. If you’re noticing green, cloudy, foamy, or smelly water, though, it may need to be done more often.

The Bottom Line

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your pool in top condition. However, the frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including usage, location, and weather. Generally, though, skimming and vacuuming should be done daily and weekly, respectively, while brushing, testing chlorine and pH levels, shock treatment, and filter cleaning should be done weekly or monthly. 

By following these guidelines, you can keep your pool safe, hygienic, and visually appealing all season long. Happy swimming!

Need a hand keeping your pool clean and swim-ready? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Clark Pools and Spas, and inquire about our cleaning services today.